Crystal Palace Duo's Heated Tunnel Argument Emerges Before Transfer Saga
In a revealing insight into the inner dynamics at Crystal Palace, manager Oliver Glasner and former captain Marc Guehi were observed engaging in a fierce argument during a critical match. This incident, which occurred before Guehi's transfer to Manchester City, underscores the high-stakes environment at the club.
Half-Time Clash During Cup Upset
According to Macclesfield coach Francis Jeffers, who witnessed the altercation, Glasner and Guehi were "going at it" in the tunnel at half-time during Crystal Palace's FA Cup third-round defeat to Macclesfield. Jeffers, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Podcast, noted, "I'm walking past them and I thought, 'I like that'. There is an edge to that." He added that the disagreement indicated "big disagreements there between the manager and the captain," suggesting it rattled the team's composure.
While the argument likely stemmed from on-field performance issues rather than the impending transfer, it highlights Glasner's willingness to confront even his top players. This approach is seen as essential for motivating a team under pressure, especially during a challenging season.
Guehi's Move to Manchester City
Marc Guehi completed a £20 million transfer to Manchester City last month, a move that came months before his contract with Crystal Palace was set to expire. This transfer allowed him to avoid leaving on a free deal and provided a fresh opportunity in his career. Notably, Guehi scored for Manchester City in a recent FA Cup match, benefiting from the competition's rule changes that permitted his participation despite earlier elimination with Palace.
Guehi had been instrumental in Crystal Palace's FA Cup success last season, but this year's early exit to Macclesfield marked a low point. The tunnel argument with Glasner occurred during this disappointing match, adding to the drama surrounding his departure.
Glasner's Post-Match Frustrations
Following the cup upset, Oliver Glasner expressed significant frustration in a passionate post-match address. He criticized the timing of Guehi's sale, stating, "The worst thing is selling our captain one day before playing a Premier League game." Glasner lamented the lack of squad depth and support, emphasizing, "I feel we are being abandoned completely. Because I can't play many players. They did everything they could and this has been going on for weeks and months now."
This outburst reflected Glasner's commitment to defending his players and his dissatisfaction with the club's management decisions. Shortly after, he confirmed that Guehi would be leaving at the end of his contract, cementing the transfer's inevitability.
Implications for Crystal Palace
The tunnel clash and subsequent transfer reveal underlying tensions at Crystal Palace, as the team navigates a turbulent period. Glasner's confrontational style, while potentially divisive, demonstrates his drive to extract maximum effort from the squad. For fans, this incident serves as a reminder of the passionate leadership at the helm, even as key players like Guehi move on to new challenges.
As Crystal Palace looks to rebuild and refocus, the dynamics between management and players will be crucial in shaping the club's future performance in competitions like the Premier League and FA Cup.
